Middle School Science Camps

Benefits

Students work with professional scientists and educators in field settings.

Hands-on, inquiry and place-based education focus.

Core Philosophies

The Sternberg Museum Science Camps field programs are built around a core philosophy of student development and advancement. We train our students with dedicated lessons and by example, giving them new tools and knowledge to use as they pursue their goals. To paraphrase many of our past students, it will be the most challenging, amazingly fun thing you’ve done!

Skill-Building Having a core set of field skills can be incredibly valuable for students looking to advance their opportunities in the natural sciences. By introducing and developing these essential and specialized skills, we train our students to be productive, competitive, and prepared for work in science beyond the classroom.

EmpowermentField work is a land of extremes. Our students are taught to safely and responsibly carry out our field tasks in a variety of favorable and adverse conditions. In doing this, students discover their own depths of resilience and strength. Students are taught to monitor themselves and others in their team, and take initiative to get the job done right.

“These trips have helped me throughout school. These opportunities I believe are the reason I have been able to take high school classes such as pre AP Biology this year as an elective. I certainly intend on continuing my extra-curricular assistance provided by an enjoyable week in the field. The Gatlin family all give special thanks to the directors and assistants for making this all possible.” – Katie Gatlin, Field Paleontology: Kansas (2018), Paleontology Explorers: Kansas (2015, 2017), Desert Naturalists (2016)

Advanced Academics We introduce our students to foundational concepts in earth and life sciences to start out our field programs. From the Law of Superposition to the population basis for evolution by natural selection, students are set up to learn content quickly as we build understanding through observations and focused discussions. Our staff are broadly trained in the topics of their respective camps, and are excited to engage with student questions.

Fun We are program built for science geeks, by science geeks. We love spending time in the field, and want to make sure our students see that while field science can be hard work, it’s also a ton of fun. From outdoor discoveries to making new friends, we strive to keep the work of field science balanced with a healthy dose of laughter!

Staff

Our camps staff are professional scientists and science educators, graduate students, and exceptionally engaged program alumni. We value a wide range of professional skills and career paths, in order to provide a broad set of skills training and perspective to our students. All of our staff are deeply passionate about outreach and education in addition to their scientific specializations. Each program includes at least one staff member with a Wilderness First Responder certification, ensuring quick, decisive action when dealing with any kind of injury or health concern in the field.